AEST 08:00, Mon Jan 23 2012
Athletics was one of the nine sports at the first ever Olympic Games in Athens, 1896 and has been contested at every Summer Games since.
From the 100m sprint to the 50km walk and the marathon, athletics events are always a highlight at any Olympic Games.
The United States has won the most medals in athletics with 738, followed by Soviet Union (193) and Great Britain (188).
Finland's Paavo Nurmi has won the most individual athletics medals, a total of 12 from 1920 to 1928.
(All images Getty)
Paavo Nurmi won nine gold and three silver medals in his 12 Olympic events.
AFL